Tim Beissmann

The Hyundai Accent, Toyota Rukus, Lexus CT 200h, Peugeot 508 and the Volvo V60 have all been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, said it was encouraging to see five-star result becoming the norm for vehicles sold in Australia.

“ANCAP is pleased to see this bonanza of five-star ratings in the interests of Australian motorists and we will continue to provide as many ratings as possible for consumers to assist their purchase,” Mr McIntosh said.

The Accent and Rukus were tested by ANCAP in Australia, while the CT 200h, 508 and V60 were tested by Euro NCAP under equivalent conditions. All vehicles tested were equipped with six airbags and electronic stability control.

“The Accent continues Hyundai’s safety focus – it tested well and includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and seat belt reminders for all seats as standard across the range,” Mr McIntosh said.

“The Volvo V60 wagon, Peugeot 508 medium car and Lexus CT200h petrol-hybrid model all were assessed a five-star rating based on our assessment of results from Euro NCAP crash tests, which are in line with ANCAP’s testing protocols.”

The Hyundai Accent scored 35.77 points out of 37, including 14.66 out of 16 for the frontal offset crash test, 16 out of 16 for the side impact crash test, two bonus points for completing the pole test and three bonus points for having seatbelt reminders fitted to all seats.

The Toyota Rukus scored 32.61 out of 37. It managed 12.61 in the frontal offset, 16 in the side impact, and scored four bonus points for completing pole test and having front seatbelt reminders fitted.

The Lexus CT 200h scored 36.13 points, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class. It achieved 15.13 points in the frontal offset crash test, 16 points in the side impact crash test, and the full five bonus points for completing the pole test and coming with seatbelt reminders for all seats.

The Peugeot 508 scored 35.1 points, including 14.64 points in the frontal crash, 15.46 in the side test, and the full five bonus points.

The Volvo V60 performed predictably, scoring a near-perfect 36.34 out of 37 and establishing itself inside the top two vehicles in its class (behind the BMW 5 Series). It only lost points in the frontal offset crash test, where it scored 15.34 out of 16.